You cannot pick up a newspaper, magazine or watch the evening news without being exposed to another story of a small rural hospital closing. Washington Regional Medical Center formally known as Washington County Hospital was counted among those closed hospitals until the community came together with regional authorities to re-open the facility.
On May 1st of 2019 a very rare situation occurred, a rural hospital that had closed, re-opened its doors and began servicing their community again. “This has been no small miracle with hundreds of rural and community hospitals closing or in crisis this year alone”, said Frank Avignone the CEO of Affinity Health Partners the new management company. “Our goal is to be different from other rural health care facilities by being proactive and creating outreach to our communities we serve before they become sick or injured”, he went on to say.
The North Carolina Rural Health Research Program that at least 27 states have seen one hospital closure since 2010. The latest wave of troubled hospitals and closures is one of the worst in the history of rural health and that’s why the survival of Washington Regional Medical Center is so unique. “You very rarely hear about the success stories and WRMC is definitely one to talk about!” said Melanie Perry current administrator for the facility. “We want the public to know we did not only survive where other hospitals have not, we are increasing services and growing new lines that are desperately needed in the region” Ms. Perry went on to say.
In a healthcare market that is dominated by negative news specifically around rural health it is heartening to hear of one small community that has come together to save their hospital and subsequently critical healthcare services for the region.
About Washington Regional Medical Center: WRMC is a 25 bed Critical Access Hospital located in a health care provider shortage area (HPSA) as well as a medically underserved (MUA) region of eastern North Carolina. Washington County has a population of 13,723 and is located on the southern shore of the Albemarle Sound. It encompasses the towns of Plymouth, Roper, and Creswell.
About Affinity Health Partners: Affinity Health Partners is focused, purpose-built healthcare management & consulting services firm serving rural, critical access hospitals and rural health clinic/FQHC clients. The company’s mission is to improve the rural health systems performance with the highest value management and advisory services customized to each client’s unique needs. Considering the complexity of the problems facing rural healthcare, we believe that our client’s trust in engaging us requires leadership by deeply experienced advisors.
If you would like more information about this topic, please callFrank Avignone at 214-502-9624 , or email: favignone@affinity-hp.net
